Post by Theropod on Aug 27, 2014 20:28:06 GMT
What is a beta reader?
A beta reader is someone who looks over your work when you've finish it (or whenever you feel the need for someone to give you a second opinion) and can help in pointing out anything from spelling mistakes to continuity errors. They can make sure the wording of your work flows correctly, that your sentences don't drag on for three pages, that sort of thing. They take your work, examine it, and then send it back with any notes or corrections they make, often in a different colour text to make sure their notes stand out from the original text. I recommend red text for this. You can then make the changes, discuss with the beta why the changes were suggested, that sort of thing. It's vital you discuss why with your beta, and make sure you're both on the same page before you change anything.
To be a beta reader is to help your author improve. To have a beta reader is a sign that you strive for improvement and excellence, and there is no shame in using one.
Why should I use one?
You should use one because there is always something to improve on in your writing. Every single book author out there has to hand their novels over to an editor who does exactly the same as a beta reader. If J.K. Rowling, J.R.R. Tolkien, Holly Black and George R. Martin need someone to double check their work, then you do too.
Does it mean my writing is bad?
Nope! It just means you are interested in improving yourself and providing the readers your very best!
Why can't I use my username? The site won't let me!
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A beta reader is someone who looks over your work when you've finish it (or whenever you feel the need for someone to give you a second opinion) and can help in pointing out anything from spelling mistakes to continuity errors. They can make sure the wording of your work flows correctly, that your sentences don't drag on for three pages, that sort of thing. They take your work, examine it, and then send it back with any notes or corrections they make, often in a different colour text to make sure their notes stand out from the original text. I recommend red text for this. You can then make the changes, discuss with the beta why the changes were suggested, that sort of thing. It's vital you discuss why with your beta, and make sure you're both on the same page before you change anything.
To be a beta reader is to help your author improve. To have a beta reader is a sign that you strive for improvement and excellence, and there is no shame in using one.
Why should I use one?
You should use one because there is always something to improve on in your writing. Every single book author out there has to hand their novels over to an editor who does exactly the same as a beta reader. If J.K. Rowling, J.R.R. Tolkien, Holly Black and George R. Martin need someone to double check their work, then you do too.
Does it mean my writing is bad?
Nope! It just means you are interested in improving yourself and providing the readers your very best!
Why can't I use my username? The site won't let me!
Have you got a symbol in your username? It was discovered that you can't use symbol in usernames, just omit it and try without it.
Can I post a question below or in a different thread in this forum?
Yeah sure, just ask below or click create topic in the help forum